Air-Fried Chicken Meatballs: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Chicken meatballs are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, appetiser, or main course. They can be paired with a variety of sauces and sides, such as pasta, zucchini noodles, rice, or salad. Making chicken meatballs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a crispy exterior and juicy interior without the need for deep-frying. The air fryer also ensures even cooking and reduces the risk of burning.

Choosing the right ground chicken

Opt for a Mixture of White and Dark Meat

While ground chicken breast might seem like a healthier option, it can result in dry meatballs. For maximum juiciness, choose ground chicken that includes a mix of white and dark meat. This combination ensures that your meatballs will be moist and tender. If you can find ground chicken thighs, even better! The higher fat content in dark meat will add flavour and help keep your meatballs from drying out.

Lean Ground Chicken for Maximum Juiciness

When selecting ground chicken, look for a package that says "93% lean." This percentage strikes the perfect balance between leanness and fat content. While you might be tempted to go for an even leaner option, such as 99% lean ground chicken breast, keep in mind that less fat will result in drier meatballs. Remember, fat equals flavour and moisture!

Ground Chicken vs. Ground Turkey

If you're unable to find ground chicken or simply want to explore other options, ground turkey is a suitable alternative. Similar to ground chicken, ground turkey also offers a lean protein source for your meatballs. You can use either dark or white meat ground turkey, depending on your preference and what's available.

Freshness and Quality

When choosing ground chicken, always check the "best before" date to ensure you're using fresh meat. Examine the packaging for any signs of damage or tampering. Look for ground chicken that is firm to the touch, with a fresh, pink hue. Avoid packages with an excessive amount of liquid, as this could indicate that the meat has been previously frozen and thawed.

Custom Grinding

If you're unable to find ground chicken with the specifications you desire, consider asking your butcher to custom grind the meat for you. This way, you can choose the exact type of chicken and fat percentage you want. It's a great way to ensure you're getting the best quality ground chicken for your air fryer chicken meatballs!

With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to selecting the perfect ground chicken for your air fryer chicken meatballs. Remember, the right ground chicken will make all the difference in creating juicy, flavourful, and tender meatballs that everyone will love!

Preparing the meatballs

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add your ground chicken, followed by the remaining ingredients. The specific ingredients and their quantities may vary depending on your chosen recipe, but common additions include breadcrumbs, cheese, eggs, spices, herbs, and vegetables like zucchini or onion. Mix the ingredients until they are well combined.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Using your hands or a spoon, take a portion of the chicken mixture and shape it into a ball. The size of the meatballs can vary, but they are typically around one to two inches in diameter. Place the formed meatballs on a lined sheet or plate. Repeat this process until you have used up all of the chicken mixture.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 390°F and 400°F. The ideal temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and personal preferences.

Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Lightly coat the basket of your air fryer with olive oil or cooking spray. This step helps prevent the meatballs from sticking to the surface and makes cleanup easier.

Step 5: Cook the Meatballs

Arrange the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between them. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the meatballs in batches. Close the air fryer and cook the meatballs for about 10 to 14 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking process. The meatballs are done when they are golden brown on the outside and have an internal temperature of 165°F.

Tips:

• Don't pack the meatballs too tightly when shaping them. This can make them tough. Use a light touch and just enough pressure for them to hold their shape.
• Dampen your hands with water before shaping the meatballs to prevent the meat from sticking to your hands.
• For uniformly sized meatballs, use a cookie scoop or a meatballer. This also helps prevent over-compressing the meat.
• If you're making a large batch, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs on a parchment-lined sheet and store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Cooking the meatballs

Now that you've prepared your chicken meatball mixture, it's time to cook them in the air fryer! Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure your meatballs are cooked to perfection:

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to around 400°F. This temperature will give your meatballs a nice crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy. However, you may need to adjust the temperature slightly depending on your air fryer model.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Using your hands or a spoon, take a portion of the chicken meatball mixture and shape it into a ball. The size of the meatballs may vary depending on your preference, but a golf ball-sized meatball is a good standard. Place the shaped meatballs on a lined sheet or directly into the air fryer basket if there's space.

Step 3: Place Meatballs in the Air Fryer

Arrange the meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't touch each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook the meatballs in batches. Leave some space between the meatballs to ensure even cooking and browning.

Step 4: Cook the Meatballs

Close the air fryer and let the meatballs cook for the recommended time. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your meatballs and the power of your air fryer. For smaller meatballs, 10 minutes at 400°F should be sufficient. Larger meatballs may need a few extra minutes. It's a good idea to check on your meatballs periodically to ensure they don't overcook or burn.

Step 5: Flip and Cook Again

For even cooking and browning, it's a good idea to flip the meatballs halfway through the cooking process. Use tongs or a spatula to carefully turn the meatballs over. Continue cooking for the remaining time or until the meatballs are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

To ensure your meatballs are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F. If the meatballs haven't reached this temperature, return them to the air fryer and cook in short intervals until they reach the desired temperature.

Step 7: Serve or Store

Once your meatballs are cooked, you can serve them immediately with your favourite sauce or side dish. Meatballs are versatile and can be served as an appetizer, added to pasta, or used in sandwiches. If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Meatballs can also be frozen for future use.

Storing and reheating the meatballs

Storing and reheating your chicken meatballs is a simple process. If you have any leftover meatballs, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat your chicken meatballs, you can use an air fryer, an oven, a stovetop, or a microwave. Here is a step-by-step guide to reheat your chicken meatballs in an air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Most models have a preheat function, so select that. If your air fryer doesn't have this feature, set the temperature and allow it to preheat for about 2-3 minutes.
• While the air fryer is preheating, arrange your chicken meatballs in a single layer in the basket. Make sure to leave some space between the meatballs to allow for proper airflow and even cooking.
• Once the air fryer is preheated, place the basket with the meatballs inside. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and the timer for 5 minutes. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your meatballs and the air fryer model, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
• After about 2-3 minutes of cooking, pause the air fryer and gently shake the basket to ensure the meatballs cook evenly on all sides. This step will help achieve a crispy exterior and a moist interior.
• To ensure your meatballs are thoroughly reheated, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be considered safe for consumption.
• Once the meatballs are heated through and reach the desired internal temperature, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Serve them immediately as a main course or in pasta dishes, sandwiches, or any other way you prefer.

You can also reheat frozen chicken meatballs in an air fryer. Here is a guide on how to do it:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Place the frozen meatballs in the air fryer basket.
• Air fry the meatballs for about 12 minutes until cooked through.
• Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer if needed. The temperature should reach a minimum of 165°F.

Serving suggestions

Chicken meatballs made in an air fryer are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

As a Main Course

• Serve the chicken meatballs with rice, grains, or pasta and a tasty sauce. Some sauce options include marinara, BBQ sauce, mustard, or aioli.
• For a healthier option, serve the meatballs with zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or a salad.
• For a heartier meal, add the meatballs to a soup, such as meatball and farro soup.
• Create a Mediterranean-inspired dish by mixing in spinach, garlic, and feta.
• Make Swedish meatballs by smothering them in a cream sauce.
• Try a North African-inspired dish with rich brown gravy and prunes.
• For a festive option, add cranberries, celery, and seasonings to make Thanksgiving meatballs.
• For an Indian twist, top the meatballs with a tandoori-inspired curry.
• Make Hawaiian meatballs using a slow cooker.
• Serve the meatballs in a pita with your choice of sauces and toppings.

As an Appetizer or Snack

• Serve the chicken meatballs with a dipping sauce such as marinara, BBQ sauce, mustard, or aioli.
• For a refreshing option, serve the meatballs with a homemade blue cheese sauce and top with jalapeños, chives, and lime wedges.
• For a simple and classic option, serve the meatballs with toothpicks as cocktail meatballs.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different sauces, sides, and toppings to find your favourite combinations!

Frequently asked questions